By Ujjainee Roy
January 8, 2023
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Maharashtra, like many other regions in India, has a rich tradition of preparing a variety of sweets during the festival of Makar Sankranti. These sweets often incorporate sesame seeds, jaggery, and other seasonal ingredients to celebrate the harvest season. Here are some popular Maharashtrian Makar Sankranti sweets:
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Puran Poli is a classic Maharashtrian sweet flatbread made with a filling of chana dal, jaggery, and spices. The outer layer is made with wheat flour, and the combination of the sweet filling and soft outer layer makes it a festive favourite.
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Tilgul Ladoo is a traditional sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery or gur. The sesame is roasted and blended with gur and the mixture is shaped into round ladoos
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Gathi, a spiced sesame chikki, is a crunchy snack that is widely made during Marathi festivals and not just Makar Sankranti. Also known as flower mithai, gathi is made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and a hint of spice
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The mixed vegetable dish, is an integral part of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Maharashtra. The dish is made with a variety of winter vegetables like carrots, green leafy vegetables, and tubers
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Sakhar Bhat is a sweet saffron-infused rice dish prepared to usher in Makar Sankranti. It's cooked with aromatic basmati rice, saffron strands, ghee, and sugar
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Although it’s made throughout the year, during Makar Sankranti, this preparation is a particular favourite across Maharashtrian households. It’s typically made with a medley of different kinds of dal, like urad, chana, toor and masoor.
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Anarsa is a sweet treat made from rice flour, jaggery, and sesame seeds. The dough is prepared, shaped into small discs, and deep-fried until golden brown. Anarsa has a unique texture and is enjoyed during Makar Sankranti.
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